Earlier we touched on QR codes and how they are starting to be used by companies to reach out to tech savvy customers. In a recent release, Microsoft has taken the idea of QR codes and added additional functionality and creativity, thus improving on the original dramatically.
Microsoft has recently released their version of QR codes, called Microsoft Tag. Microsoft Tag uses a proprietary technology that they created called the High Capacity Color Barcode (HCCB). The intent in this design is not to replace the traditional barcode, but to be more of a partner barcode.
Microsoft Tag uses a grid of colored triangles to encode data. The grid size, symbol density and symbol count can be varied depending on the content encoded. Amazingly these barcodes can hold up to 3,500 alphabetical characters of data per square inch. Four and eight color geometric patterns can hold up to two pages of data, which is double the amount of traditional black and white, striped barcodes.
Additionally, unlike QR codes, the Microsoft Tag system has built-in reporting to let you know how your tags are being scanned. Each phone that uses the Microsoft Tag software is assigned a unique device ID. This ID is used by Microsoft to provide you access to analytics that can help you form marketing strategies and help you make effective and efficient decisions about marketing. The device ID does not contain any personal information and does not infringe on the user’s privacy. It just helps you to be able to track how effective your tag is.
By the end of the year, the colored barcodes are going to start appearing on DVDs and Xbox 360 disks. Other ideas range from putting them on billboards, which could be scanned to give directions or coupons for the store, a walking tour of historical buildings in Chicago and magazine advertisements. TV Guide is going to start including tags in their magazine that takes the user to behind-the-scenes footage and other additional media.
Windermere Real Estate has started including Microsoft Tag on their signs in front of homes for sale, starting in the Seattle area. They cite many different reasons for utilizing Microsoft Tag:
- Pamphlets can get wet or blow away.
- It saves paper.
- The interested person now has the house information on their mobile phone.
- The customer instantly has access to more information about the home, including photos and other media.
When you scan one of Windermere’s tags, you can get all of a home’s listing details such as price, bedrooms/bathrooms, pictures and contact information. They plan to use tags in their print media advertising, which will also include a link to the company’s website.
Are you interested in creating your own Microsoft Tag to promote your products or company? It’s easy to start making your own. Visit Microsoft’s Tag website to get started here. I’ve included an example of a Microsoft Tag above. Give it a try and see where you end up.
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